After closing dozens of stores, Macy’s Inc. reported higher sales at locations still open amid signs that the department-store giant is pulling out of a prolonged slump.

The results were buoyed by a strong economy, with low unemployment and recent tax cuts that should give consumers more money to spend. They bode well for other retailers scheduled to report earnings this week, including Walmart Inc., J.C. Penney Co. and Nordstrom Inc.

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